By late October, the pace changes on the Côte-de-Beaupré. The busiest fall foliage weekends are behind us, some summer activities are winding down and the first truly chilly days are settling in.
But there are still plenty of good reasons to hit the road. In fact, this is a particularly lovely time to turn a day of exploring into a short getaway, with less driving, more time at each stop and, why not, an overnight stay to make the experience last a little longer.
Nature, heritage, the river, relaxation and great local spots: here are three getaway ideas you can easily adapt to the weather, opening hours and the time you have available.
Start your day at the Cap-Tourmente National Wildlife Area. Snow geese are still here in late October, and this is one of those times when the scenery is as much a reason to visit as the hiking: the river, tidal flats, fields and mountains create a particularly beautiful setting at this time of year.
The trail network lets you choose an outing to suit the time you have. Stay near the river to watch the birds or head a little higher to enjoy the views. Part of the La Falaise trail remains closed because of a landslide risk, but a detour still provides access to La Falaise, Les Chutes and La Cime. Check trail conditions before your visit.
As you leave the wildlife area, save some time for La Grande Ferme. This historic site in Saint-Joachim tells another side of the region’s story, closely tied to its agricultural history and settlement on the Côte-de-Beaupré since the days of New France. The exhibition, the site’s heritage and the expansive landscape around it let you continue your day without a complete change of atmosphere.
This getaway is well suited to a day without a packed schedule: a few hours outdoors, a heritage stop and time to take in the scenery rather than simply pass through it.
To stay immersed in the scenery, Les Chalets sur le Cap is an especially appealing option. Perched on a cliff with the forest behind them, these traditional pine chalets offer spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River and Île d’Orléans. The units are fully equipped and open year-round. After a day at Cap-Tourmente, it is hard to imagine a better way to extend that feeling of being somewhere completely different while staying right here on the Côte-de-Beaupré.
For a completely different getaway, park your car in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré and take the time to explore the heart of the area on foot. There is no need to rack up the kilometres to fill your day: several interesting stops are just minutes apart.
Begin by taking the time to look up inside the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. Even if you are not visiting for religious reasons, its architecture, mosaics, stained glass, sculptures and wealth of artistic detail make it a cultural experience in its own right. Do not miss ECHO, the light and sound experience presented Friday through Sunday at this time of year.
Nearby, Galerie Ni Vu Ni Cornu offers a generous dose of Québec creativity. Then head down to the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré wharf to reconnect with the river. Stretching 300 metres, it feels as though you are walking straight out into the St. Lawrence and offers a completely different view of the region.
To add some good food to your day, plan a break at Café Apollo or save your meal for Coquette. The idea is to take your time: visit, walk, stop for a while and leave a little room for spontaneity. It is a lovely way to discover Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré beyond a quick drive along Avenue Royale.
BADANG LAB takes the experience a step further with four techno-colourful lofts in the heart of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. Each unit has its own atmosphere, blending design, multimedia art and comfort with a privileged view of the Basilica. A kitchenette, rain shower, adjustable ambience and playful details give the place a character quite unlike more traditional accommodation.
In late October, Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges is an excellent place to slow down and enjoy the area in a different way. There is no need to fill your schedule: the main reasons to come are to unwind, eat well and take some time for yourself.
Start with a few hours at Le Versant Mont-Sainte-Anne. Nestled in nature on Rang Saint-Julien, it combines a thermal experience with an intimate atmosphere. As the air grows cooler, alternating between the warm facilities and the surrounding fall scenery feels just right.
After relaxing, head to Brasseur des Monts on Avenue Royale. The microbrewery draws its inspiration directly from the region and the outdoor culture around Mont-Sainte-Anne. It is a lovely place to discover beers brewed on-site and bring the day to an unhurried close.
Auberge & Campagne offers a more intimate experience in the heart of the village. Guests come as much for an overnight stay as for its dining and food-focused events, which regularly feature guest chefs and special evenings.
Chalets Montmorency is a practical option for couples, families or small groups looking for more space. The units are fully equipped, and the property includes an indoor pool and a hot tub.
For those travelling with family or friends, Chalets-Village offers large houses and condos in the Mont-Sainte-Anne area. It is an ideal option if you want to cook, gather around a good meal and extend your getaway over a few days.
Chalets Village
In late October, a few days can make all the difference when planning a getaway. Several attractions operate seasonally, so it is best to check before you set off.
In 2026, fall operations at Mont-Sainte-Anne ended on October 12, and the resort grounds are not accessible to visitors after closing. Canyon Sainte-Anne ended its season on October 25. The Mestachibo Trail and the Jean-Larose Falls area remain accessible until November 1, conditions permitting.
The Cap-Tourmente National Wildlife Area remains open daily until November 1, with a different schedule in November. For La Grande Ferme and the other businesses mentioned in this article, also check the hours in effect at the time of your visit.
In Saint-Joachim, go from the tidal flats of Cap-Tourmente to agricultural heritage before spending the night above the river. In Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, combine art, architecture, coffee and a stroll along the wharf before ending your day in a one-of-a-kind loft. In Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, enjoy the last days of hiking, then let the spa and a good meal take over.
Three areas, three different atmospheres and, above all, three good reasons to make it more than a day trip.
Choose your home base, check what is open… and enjoy the Côte-de-Beaupré at a slightly different pace.
Late October is a great time to visit the Cap-Tourmente National Wildlife Area and La Grande Ferme in Saint-Joachim, enjoy a cultural day in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré or take a getaway to Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges combining outdoor activities and relaxation.
Yes. Greater Snow Geese are still present at the Cap-Tourmente National Wildlife Area in late October. The Gros plan sur les oies activity is offered there until November 1, 2026.
The Mestachibo Trail and the Jean-Larose Falls area remain accessible until November 1, 2026, conditions permitting. Since wet leaves, frost and weather can quickly change trail conditions, always check notices before heading out.
No. Fall operations at Mont-Sainte-Anne end on October 12, 2026, and the resort grounds are not accessible to visitors after closing. Instead, explore the other attractions and trails that remain open in the region.
In Saint-Joachim, Les Chalets sur le Cap offers forest stays with river views. In Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, BADANG LAB has four techno-colourful lofts in the heart of the area. In Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Auberge & Campagne, Chalets Montmorency and Chalets-Village offer options suited to different types of stays and groups.
Le Versant Mont-Sainte-Anne in Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges is open year-round and offers a thermal experience, massage therapy and mini-chalets surrounded by nature.
